The top 10 paying graduate employers

While working is certainly not all about the money, you can’t ignore the fact that some careers have better starting salaries than others – which is always going to be handy when you’re faced with a mountain of student debt.

Take a look at 10 of the top paying graduate employers, according to The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers guide, to find out where the money’s hiding.

10.Herbert Smith Freehills, law

Pay: £42,000

Requirements: A 2:1 degree or equivalent is required, but candidates must also be “well-rounded”. Applicants then have to take a verbal reasoning test and perform well at an assessment day.

9. BP, oil and energy

Pay: £33,000 – £40,000

Requirements: Depending on the role you may need a job-specific 2:1 degree, other roles, such as in HR, will take any discipline. Jobs fall into four main areas; business, engineering, science and supply and trading.

8. Unilever, consumer goods

Pay: £30,000

Requirements: 300 UCAS points and a minimum 2:1 degree.

7. Microsoft, IT and telecommunications

Pay: £34,700

Requirements: It depends on the role you apply for in the company. If you want to work in development, a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in engineering, computer science or a related field is required.

6. ExxonMobil, oil and energy

Pay: £37,500, rising to £42,000 if you have a PhD

Requirements: It depends on the position and area of work but a degree in a relevant subject may be required. Results of psychometric testing and competency-based interviews are also taken into account.